When your dog or cat isn’t quite acting like themselves — maybe skipping meals, hiding more than usual, or developing a new lump — it can be easy to assume it’s nothing serious. However, at Village Veterinary Clinic, serving Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and nearby communities, we want you to know that subtle changes can sometimes point to something that deserves attention. Cancer doesn’t always show obvious signs, especially in pets (cats in particular) who tend to mask discomfort.
Why Early Detection Matters
Cancer in pets can stay quiet for a long time. Symptoms are often vague, or they look like common day-to-day issues such as fatigue, picky eating, or slowing down with age. The American Veterinary Medical Association explains that the earlier cancer is identified, the more treatment options are available and the better the outlook for both comfort and quality of life. Early evaluation gives your veterinarian a chance to act before the disease progresses.
Our team at Village Veterinary Clinic prioritizes wellness exams and routine screening for pets in Burke, Fair Lakes, South Riding, Annandale, Springfield, and surrounding areas. These appointments are not “just a checkup” — they are how we spot changes while they’re still manageable. If you’re concerned about a new sign you’ve noticed at home, please call us at (703) 978-8655 so we can help guide you on next steps.
Key Warning Signs in Dogs and Cats
It’s important to stay alert. These are common early warning signs of possible cancer in pets:
- Unexplained weight loss or a sudden drop in appetite. This can be linked to several types of internal illness, including certain cancers, according to PetMD.
- Lumps, bumps, or swellings that don’t go away, get bigger, or change in texture. The AVMA advises that any new mass should be evaluated by a veterinarian rather than watched at home long term.
- Non-healing sores or wounds that seem “stuck” in the healing process. Chronic sores can sometimes be associated with certain skin cancers, as noted by veterinary oncology centers and teaching hospitals.
- Unexpected bleeding or discharge from the nose, mouth, ears, or rectum. This includes nosebleeds in dogs and drooling with blood in cats, which should always be checked promptly.
- Swollen lymph nodes (often felt under the jaw or behind the knees), trouble breathing, or difficulty swallowing. These can indicate inflammation or, in some cases, a cancer of the lymphatic system, according to guidance from the AVMA.
- Behavior changes — for example, a normally social cat hiding for long periods, or an energetic dog suddenly avoiding play and choosing to rest alone. Cats are especially good at quietly withdrawing when they don’t feel well.
If you notice any of these signs in your dog or cat, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer. But it does mean we should see them. The safest plan is to schedule a visit with our Wellness & Preventative Care team so we can evaluate your pet in person and let you know if further testing is recommended.
What Your Vet Can Do During a Screening
During a screening exam or wellness visit at Village Veterinary Clinic, we do more than a quick look and listen. We take the time to examine your pet from nose to tail and talk through any changes you’ve noticed. A cancer-focused screening may include:
- Hands-on palpation to check for new lumps, unusual swelling, or pain responses.
- Blood work and urinalysis to pick up internal changes that are not visible from the outside. These tests can reveal organ changes, inflammation, or abnormal cells early, before symptoms become obvious. The AVMA notes that basic diagnostics like these are often the first step in identifying or ruling out certain cancers.
- Imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) or a needle sample (fine needle aspirate/biopsy) if we find an area of concern. Gathering cells and sending them to a diagnostic lab is how we move from “this looks suspicious” to a clear answer.
- Medical history review — age, breed tendencies, previous conditions, lifestyle (indoor cat vs. outdoor cat, active hiking dog vs. mostly couch time), and environmental exposures.
If needed, we’ll talk about next steps: monitoring, treating, or referring to a specialist. You’re never alone in that process. Our goal is to help you make informed, compassionate decisions for your pet.
How You Can Help at Home
You are your pet’s daily advocate. Small habits at home can make a big difference in catching problems early:
- Do a gentle “nose-to-tail” check during normal cuddle time. Feel along the jawline, neck, chest, belly, and legs for new lumps or areas that seem puffy or tender.
- Track appetite, weight, and energy. A cat who suddenly won’t jump onto their favorite spot on the couch may be uncomfortable. A dog who skips breakfast two days in a row is telling you something.
- Watch the litter box or yard habits. Straining to urinate, diarrhea that doesn’t resolve, or blood in stool or urine are all reasons to call us.
- Keep vaccines, parasite prevention, and regular wellness exams current. Preventive care helps us build a health baseline for your pet over time, so we can spot changes faster. You can learn more about vaccines and disease prevention for pets from trusted organizations like the ASPCA.
- For senior pets, increase exam frequency. Older cats and dogs benefit from being seen more than once a year, because cancer risk rises with age.
If you ever feel unsure — even if the change seems “small” — you can always call Village Veterinary Clinic at (703) 978-8655 . We would much rather check a concern early than wait and wish we had seen your pet sooner.
When to Act — and What to Ask
Please contact us right away if you see:
- A lump that appears quickly or grows fast.
- A sore that will not heal.
- A sudden change in breathing, swallowing, or walking.
- Bleeding from the nose or mouth, especially in older pets.
- Drastic behavior changes — for example, a usually calm cat vocalizing in distress, or a happy senior dog suddenly restless at night.
When you come in, here are helpful questions to ask your veterinary team:
- “Does this mass need imaging or a sample today?”
- “Is this urgent, or can we monitor it for a short period?”
- “Are there comfort or pain-management options if my pet is uncomfortable?”
- “What does follow-up look like for my pet’s age and health history?”
This kind of open conversation is especially important for aging cats and dogs, who may also need mobility support, comfort medicine, or end-of-life planning. Our doctors can guide you through options with respect and compassion through our Pet Hospice & Euthanasia services when appropriate.
Tailoring Care for Cats and Dogs Across Their Life Stages
Cancer risk increases with age, so senior wellness is not something to postpone. A quiet, older indoor cat in Springfield or Annandale deserves the same careful attention as an active senior Labrador in Lorton, Chantilly, Herndon, or Centreville. That’s why ongoing exams, blood panels, and (when indicated) imaging are so valuable for pets in and around Burke, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station.
At Village Veterinary Clinic, our Wellness & Preventative Care approach is designed to look for developing health issues early — including possible warning signs of cancer — and create a plan that supports your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life at every stage.
You do not need to wait for a crisis to act. Booking a wellness exam or cancer screening gives you answers, and it gives your pet the best chance at early detection. Our team is here for pets across Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Fair Lakes, South Riding, Falls Church, Merrifield, Alexandria, Annandale, Springfield, Lorton, Chantilly, Herndon, Centreville, Clinton, and the surrounding areas.
Call Village Veterinary Clinic today at (703) 978-8655 to schedule a visit with our Wellness & Preventative Care team or ask about screenings if you’ve noticed any changes in your pet. Your attention, plus timely veterinary care, can make a real difference.